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Gove believes Brexit will strengthen the Union despite the SNP's claims
Despite warnings that Brexit could trigger the breakup of Britain, Gove believes Scottish independence is now even less likely than it was during the 2014 referendum.
The claims come as support for an independent Scotland dropped to just 40 per cent, less than the 45 per cent recorded during the 2014 referendum vote.
Instead of using the formidable powers the Scottish parliament already has to improve the material condition of Scotland, the SNP has thrown its energies into constitutional agitation and separatist grandstanding
Michael Gove
Writing in The Times, Gove claimed the push for Scotland to leave the UK “is becoming less and less popular with the people of Scotland.”
He added: “It is no coincidence that support for the UK has risen and the appeal of separation has receded.
“As has the prospect of a second independence referendum. Having embraced the idea with enthusiasm in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, the SNP leadership has now retreated, influenced by the implacable opposition of a majority of Scots.
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“Whatever their views on the EU, they don’t want to leave the one union and one single market that genuinely does work — the UK.”
Gove then took aim at the SNP and the First Minister, suggesting the party has “acknowledged its failure”.
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Sturgeon continues to threaten the possibility of a second independence referendum for Scotland
He said: “What makes matters worse for the SNP is that its reputation for competence in office is also unravelling.
“Instead of using the formidable powers the Scottish parliament already has to improve the material condition of Scotland, the SNP has thrown its energies into constitutional agitation and separatist grandstanding.
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Scotland voted to remain part of the UK less than three years ago
“The SNP leadership has been fighting and planning for more referendums instead of providing Scotland with stable, sensible government.
“Which is why the most popular politician in Scotland now is not Nicola Sturgeon but the Tory leader, Ruth Davidson.”
Gove’s claims come just days after he met Donald Trump in New York in the President-elect’s first British interview since winning the election.
Trump described Brexit as “a great thing”, adding he had big hopes for an improved trade deal between the US and Britain.
He said: "We're gonna work very hard to get it done quickly and done properly. Good for both sides."
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